Cystic Fibrosis mainly affects four main functions in the body:
The Respiratory System
Thick mucus clogs the bronchioles in the lungs and results some parts of the lungs to get blocked by this. This can lead to the lung becoming weak or diseased eventually cusing the lungs to not work properly and death is not treated properly. In some cases this can develop into the lung diseas, bronchiectatis.
The Digestive System
The mucus could also clog the pancreas blocking enzymes from moving to the intestines causing the person not be able to digest fatty foods properly. This could result in lost weight and weakness.
Sweat Glands
Too much salt is lost through swat which causes problems such as tiredness, weakness, fever, muscle cramps, stomach pains, and dehydration. Balance of minerals in the blood could be affected leading to irregular heart rhythms, fainting or shock.
The Reproductive System
Males with this disease are almost all sterile, meaning that they wouldnt be able to make a female pregnant. There are special surgeries that can permit them to change that. For females however it is just much harder to get pregnant than for a normal woman. Some cant since mucus clogs sperm from reaching the egg. Teens develop sexually slower than normal.
Family Contributions and Understandings for Life with the Disease
Family life of course will be very different for you. Certain understandings are needed to be reached between child and parent. Since mostly the mother would be more likely to take the responsibility of the child more tension could be brought on. In this case it is highly recommended that both parents visit the physician together for meetings. More time would be needed to tend to the child and some sacrifices would be needed to be made. It would be a good idea to get the child involved in the learning of the disease. If he/she understands what is going on then both parents and child would know what his/hers abilities and limitations are. It is necessary that other memebers of the family know of the disorder. They too would have to make sacrifices and understand how certain things are as to not get upset if more attention is on the child with cystic fibrosis. Local youth programs could be helpful to these siblings and Family Service Agencies could be reached to discuss any other family problems. The whole family needs to have an understanding,awareness and share knowledge of the disorder because it does affect everyone around them. Any further problems could be helped by professionals and should be used along with sources provided by the comunity.
Here are links to true inspirational stories of people who have the diesease. They are truly great and will help you cope with your child having this diorder:
- The Respiratory System
Thick mucus clogs the bronchioles in the lungs and results some parts of the lungs to get blocked by this. This can lead to the lung becoming weak or diseased eventually cusing the lungs to not work properly and death is not treated properly. In some cases this can develop into the lung diseas, bronchiectatis.- The Digestive System
The mucus could also clog the pancreas blocking enzymes from moving to the intestines causing the person not be able to digest fatty foods properly. This could result in lost weight and weakness.- Sweat Glands
Too much salt is lost through swat which causes problems such as tiredness, weakness, fever, muscle cramps, stomach pains, and dehydration. Balance of minerals in the blood could be affected leading to irregular heart rhythms, fainting or shock.- The Reproductive System
Males with this disease are almost all sterile, meaning that they wouldnt be able to make a female pregnant. There are special surgeries that can permit them to change that. For females however it is just much harder to get pregnant than for a normal woman. Some cant since mucus clogs sperm from reaching the egg. Teens develop sexually slower than normal.Family Contributions and Understandings for Life with the Disease
Family life of course will be very different for you. Certain understandings are needed to be reached between child and parent. Since mostly the mother would be more likely to take the responsibility of the child more tension could be brought on. In this case it is highly recommended that both parents visit the physician together for meetings. More time would be needed to tend to the child and some sacrifices would be needed to be made. It would be a good idea to get the child involved in the learning of the disease. If he/she understands what is going on then both parents and child would know what his/hers abilities and limitations are. It is necessary that other memebers of the family know of the disorder. They too would have to make sacrifices and understand how certain things are as to not get upset if more attention is on the child with cystic fibrosis. Local youth programs could be helpful to these siblings and Family Service Agencies could be reached to discuss any other family problems. The whole family needs to have an understanding,awareness and share knowledge of the disorder because it does affect everyone around them. Any further problems could be helped by professionals and should be used along with sources provided by the comunity.
- Here are links to true inspirational stories of people who have the diesease. They are truly great and will help you cope with your child having this diorder:
http://cms.carepages.com/CarePages/en/Stories/StoriesOfInspiration/PediatricIllness/Allie.htmlhttp://cysticfibrosis.about.com/od/livingwithcysticfibrosis/a/notable.htm
- If there are any further questions about where you can turn to for help refer to this website:
http://www.cff.org/